Dr. James Strawbridge
Expert in Complementary and Alternative Therapies · 7 more topics
Answered questions(5)
Opiate Addiction & Spirituality
I know there are a lot of Christian drug rehabs but is there such a thing as Buddhist addiction treatment? I am a very spiritual person and am most drawn to the principles of Buddhism and mindfulness in my life. I am addicted to opiates and I hate them because they make me feel so clouded and I need to get off them as soon as possible. I need help but I do not want ‘WESTERN MEDICINE’ help – I have had enough of that for a lifetime. I know there is a temple in Thailand which helps people detox with herbs that make you vomit and then helps you to overcome your addiction through a spiritual contract. Is there anything like that in America?
Read answer →Vicodin Withdrawals
Does acupuncture really help with opiate withdrawals? My wife is trying to taper off a very nasty vicodin habit. It is really hard for her and it is taking a really long time and she is really suffering with it. She is so determined to make it though and I really admire her for this. I have been researching things that might make it easier for her and I came across some papers that suggested that acupuncture on the ear relieves withdrawal symptoms. If it did anything at all to help her it would be worth giving it a try. I don’t really believe in Chinese medicine but at this point anything that might help is under consideration. If you had any other suggestions for things that might help to alleviate some of the pains she is going through I would really appreciate any info that you could offer.
Read answer →Hypnosis & Meditation
I believe that some experiences with certain drugs and certain altered states of consciousness have really helped me to come to terms and to understand my own spirituality and my own place in the world. I believe that altered states of consciousness give me a different perspective on life and how I should live it and help me to understand God and my place in the universe. Unfortunately, I have abused drugs and now I am no longer really able to achieve altered states of consciousness through chemical means. Are there any types of therapies that help people grow spiritually through the use of altered states of consciousness without using drugs? Maybe trances or hypnosis or meditation based…not sure – but very interested to find out!
Read answer →Social Anxiety is a Heavy Load
I have got really bad social anxiety. Should I use kava extract to help me get over it? I am kind of not sure if it is the kind of thing I have to take every day like an antidepressant or, better, if it is something I can just use when I need to go into social situations…like I use a alcohol drinks now….the problem with the alcohol is when it wears off sometimes my anxiety is even worse than ever.
Read answer →Abstinence and Stress
I have heard that yoga and meditation can be helpful for people in recovery. I am not really a yoga kind of guy but I know my last relapse was caused by my inability to handle stress very well. I would like to know if practicing martial arts like karate offers the same benefits as activities like yoga and meditation. They seem sort of similar to me, but I am not sure…
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